V I E W NN English 161 1 Ukimido 1-16-18 Honkatata, Otsu-shi 367 Kitakomatsu Stn. 2 Biwako Valley（The Biwako Terrace ） ENG 1547-1 Kido, Otsu-shi 3 Ogi Rice Terraces Ogicho, Otsu-shi Omi-Maiko Stn. 4 4 a Mii-dera Temple ENG KOR SC b Ishiyama-dera Temple 5 a 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu-shi b 1-1-1 Ishiyamadera, Otsu-shi 2 Hira Stn. ACCESS MAP 4 2 5 Otsu Port（Cruise Ship Boarding Area ） ENG KOR SC TC THAI Biwako Valley Shiga Bypass 5-1-1 Hamaotsu, Otsu-shi Ropeway 558 TOURIST INFORMATION EXPERIENCE Shiga Stn. 1 BSC Watersports Centre ENG 1 Otsu Station Tourist Information Center Lake Biwa 4-1 Minamifunaji, Otsu-shi 1 Location JR Otsu Stn. 2 Friendship Adventures ENG (Vierra Otsu 1F) Horai Stn. 1215-6 Ishiyamanangocho, Otsu-shi Tel +81-77-522-3830 161 1 Biwako Skypark Paraglider School ENG Email [email protected] 3 1096 Ikadachimukaizaijicho, Otsu-shi Opening hours 9:00-18:00 4 Biwako Valley（Winter Sports ） ENG 2 Ishiyama Station Tourist Information Center Wani Stn. 1547-1 Kido, Otsu-shi (Biwako-Otsu Tourism Association) 5 Biwako Valley（Zipline ） JAP ENG Location Keihan Ishiyama Stn. 1547-1 Kido, Otsu-shi Tel +81-77-534-0706 Ono Stn. 477 Email [email protected] F O O D Opening hours 8:40-17:25 3 1 Honke Tsuruki Soba If Japanese assistance is necessary for additional * Biwako-Ohashi 4-11-40 Sakamoto, Otsu-shi information or reservations, feel free to contact the Bridge Tourist Information Centers. 3 2 Matsukiya ENG SC 161 Katata Stn. 14-17 Karahashicho, Otsu-shi 3 Maruman Okuhiei Driveway JR Eizan 1 3-21-9 Oe, Otsu-shi Electric 3 Railway 4 Nagisa Warms 161 15-5 Uchidehama, Otsu-shi Hieizan Driveway Ogoto-Onsen Stn. 5 Kaneyo 23-15 Otanicho, Otsu-shi 5 2 1 1 4 Yasu Stn. CULTURE Sakamoto Hieizan-Sakamoto Stn. Stn. ENG KOR SC 161 1 Hieizan Enryakuji Temple Mastunobamba Stn. 4220 Sakamotohonmachi, Otsu-shi 2 Ogoto Onsen （Ogoto Onsen Kanko Park ） ENG KOR SC TC Moriyama Stn. 1-2-17 Ogoto, Otsu-shi Karasaki Stn. Minami-Shiga Stn. 3 Omi Jingu Shrine ENG KOR SC TC Ritto Stn. JR 1-1 Jingucho, Otsu-shi 3 Otsukyo Stn. Ojiyama Stn. 1 4 Sunai no Sato Omi-Jingu-Mae Stn. Bessho Stn. 4-2-1 Oishiryumon, Otsu-shi Uzumasa Tehara Stn. Miidera Stn. Kusatsu Stn. Ishibe 5 Sakamoto Area Kyu Chikurinin Garden Tenjingawa Stn. Stn. ・ Kyoto City 4a 1 Hamaotsu Stn. JR Kusatsu Line 5-2-13 Sakamoto, Otsu-shi 5 5b Shimanoseki Stn. Nijo Stn. 5 3 Minami Kamisakaemachi Stn. 4 Ishiba Stn. Kusatsu Stn. ART&CRAFT Otani Stn. 2 Omi-Ohashi Bridge Yamashina 1 Nakagawa Woodcraft Studio ENG Kyoto Stn. 1 5 Keihan Ishiyama- 419 Hachiyado, Otsu-shi Stn. Zeze Stn. Meishin Expressway Sakamoto Line Seta Stn. Tokaido Shinkansen Keihan Streetcar 2 Jinbo Pearls Shop Keishin Line Otsu Stn. Ishiyama Stn. 1 3-4-28-201 Chuo, Otsu-shi Nishioji Karahashi-Mae 3 Ken Makie Studio ENG Stn. Stn. 2 3

Otsu Station 4 Minobe Onigawara Studio 1 Tourist Information Ishiyamadera Stn. 5a 1-10-8 Hieitsuji, Otsu-shi Center 4b 2 Ishiyama Station Tourist Information Center 5 Shop "Otsu-e no Mise" ENG Otsu City (Biwako-Otsu Tourism Association) Meishin 3-38 Miideracho, Otsu-shi Expressway New Meishin 24 Expressway OTHER S 1 Boat Race Biwako Keiji Bypass 1-1 Chagasaki, Otsu-shi Keihan Uji Line 2 JR Nara Line 2 Carmel Beach Club ENG 243 Kitahira, Otsu-shi 3 B&B Inase 3-3-3 Nagara, Otsu-shi 4 0 1km 2km 3km 4 Omimaiko Ichigoen 1020 Minamikomatsu, Otsu-shi Advance reservation is required Reservations on the day are possible Reservations via phone are possible 5 a Ichiban-maru b Michigan Cruise （Otsu Port ） ENG KOR SC TC THAI Reservations via email are possible Website ENG English-speaking staff a Near 1 Ishiyamadera, Otsu-shi ENG English KOR Korean SC Simplified Chinese TC Traditional Chinese THAI Thai JAP Japanese only b 5-1-1 Hamaotsu, Otsu-shi

With the JR-WEST Kansai Area Pass, you do not need to buy tickets from Kansai International Airport to Otsu. Kansai Area Pass Ride free on all the JR-WEST trains bound for the main cities in Kansai. Convenient and cheap!

Tsuruga Save with Reserve online or Purchase from a Stn. advanced Available Areas Sonobe Stn. purchases purchase from overseas JR-WEST station Omi-Imazu Nagahama The Kansai Area Pass is valid for Stn. Stn. unlimited rides within the area Sasayamaguchi Stn. Hozukyo Stn. Kusatsu Children ages 6 to 11 Children ages 6 to 11 Hon-Tatsuno Stn. Kyoto Stn. shown on the map. This applies Saga-Arashiyama Stn. Stn. 1 Otsu JPY JPY to the following trains. Himeji Amagasaki Stn. day 2,200 JPY 1,100 2,300 JPY 1,150 Kamigori Stn. Stn. Kobe Stn. Stn. Shin-Osaka Stn. Yamashina Osaka Stn. Inari Stn. Stn. Sannomiya Stn. Children ages 6 to 11 Children ages 6 to 11 Koka Stn. 2 Non-reserved seats on Banshu-Ako Stn. Wadamisaki Stn. JPY JPY day 4,300 JPY 2,150 4,500 JPY 2,250 Kansai-airport Express JR-Namba Iga-Ueno Tsuge Universal-City Stn. Stn. Stn. Stn. 3 Children ages 6 to 11 Children ages 6 to 11 JPY JPY Tennoji Stn. Nara Stn. day 5,300 JPY 2,650 5,500 JPY 2,750 Special Rapid Services, Rapid Services, and Local Children ages 6 to 11 Children ages 6 to 11 4 trains on JR-WEST Kansai-airport Stn. Takada Stn. day 6,300 JPY 3,150 JPY 6,500 JPY 3,250 JPY conventional lines Wakayama Stn.

1. Only foreign nationals traveling in Japan on a short-term visa can purchase the pass. For details, learn more about the pass 2. The rail pass is to be used over successive periods. (E.g. a 3-day pass can only be used for 3 consecutive days) on the JR-WEST official site. Notes 3. The pass can be used only by the person who purchased it. Please be aware that JR station staff may ask to see your passport. 4. In case of purchases or reservations from overseas, you will receive a voucher that will be exchanged for an actual pass. https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/

Copyright© 2016 Otsu City. All rights Reserved. 眺 感

V I E W EXPERIENCE

1 Ukimido Temple 1 Sunrise Kayak (BSC Watersports Centre) 2 Biwako Terrace (Biwako Valley) 2 Water Tubing (Friendship Adventures) 3 Ogi Rice Terraces 3 Paragliding (Biwako Sky Park Paraglider School) 4 Mii-dera & Ishiyama-dera Temples 4 Winter Sports (Biwako Valley) 5 Seasonal Snow-viewing Biwako Cruise (Otsu Port) 5 Zipline (Biwako Valley)

H E L L O O T S U

Located in the valley between Japan's largest body of water, Lake Biwa, and the motherland of Japanese Buddhism on Mt. Hiei, Otsu is a repository of nature and history not far from the world-class tourism city 食 歴 of Kyoto. The culture of this lake country dates back 1300 years to a time before Kyoto was the country's capital, and F O O D CULTURE still attracts a great number of travelers with its colorful features to this day. 1 Soba (Honke Tsuruki Soba) 1 Hieizan Enryakuji Temple What is in store for you on your visit to the yet 2 Omi Beef (Matsukiya) 2 Ogoto Onsen unknown land of Otsu? 3 Saikuzushi (Maruman) 3 Kimono Experience (Omi Jingu Shrine) A trip full of firsts awaits. 4 Otsu Omi Rice Curry (Nagisa Warms) 4 Japanese Sweets (Sunai no Sato) 5 Unagi (Kaneyo) 5 Sakamoto Area & Kyu Chikurinin Garden

芸 魅

ART&CRAFT OTHER S

1 Kioke Containers (Nakagawa Woodcraft Studio) 1 Boat Race (Boat Race Biwako) 2 Biwa Pearls (Jinbo Pearls Shop) 2 Marine Resort (Carmel Beach Club) 3 Maki-e (Ken Makie Studio) 3 Machiya Guesthouse (B&B Inase) 4 Onigawara Tiles (Minobe Onigawara Studio) 4 Strawberry Picking (Omimaiko Strawberry Garden) 5 Otsu-e 5 Cruise (Ichiban-maru & Michigan) 1 Ukimido and 2 Sky Terrace and its colorful sunrises Biwako Valley

Rising from the surface of Lake Biwa, Ukimido is a 7DNHDPLQPMRXUQH\RQ-DSDQ·VIDVWHVW Buddhist temple erected around the 10th century as ropeway to visit Biwako Valley. From this superb a prayer for safety on the lake and the spiritual height, you can look out over 80% of Lake Biwa. awakening of all creatures. Opened in the summer of 2016, the Sky Terrace lets 6WLOOUHWDLQLQJLWVRULJLQDOIRUPWKHWHPSOH·VFKDUPLV you indulge in stunning grand views while enjoying further enhanced by the surrounding pine trees, and delicious cuisine and café treats. the beautiful sunrise that can be seen from here is RQHRI2WVX·VPRVWV\PEROLFYLHZV

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Search for the thousand faces of Otsu, in a moment of heart-stirring excitement

Nestled along the coast of the mother lake, Lake Biwa, the expansive city of Otsu is a trove of beautiful waterfront scenery harmoniously combining nature, history and daily life. From historic landmarks to mountains and lakes, Otsu presents a variety of faces throughout the four seasons. Come and discover a moment of heart-stirring excitement! 3 The unspoiled landscape of 4 Magical illuminated temples 5 Take a cruise and capture You are sure to be captivated by the abundance this waterfront offers. the Ogi rice terraces in autumn and fall the winter sites of the Hira Mountains

Stretching across northern Otsu, the Ogi area is In spring, 1000 cherry blossom trees are illuminated From January to early March, you can hop on a home to beautiful terraced rice fields stacked along at Mii-dera Temple and 2,000 maple trees are lit up at cruise set against the wonderful winter scenery of the the base of the surrounding mountains and hills. The Ishiyama-dera Temple in autumn. Enjoy a wondrous Hira Mountains. This memorable experience offers "horseshoe-shaped" terraced paddy is an especially evening captivated by magical temple scenery tinted picturesque scenes of magnificent snowcapped rare sight in Japan. With a view of Lake Biwa and the in the colors of spring and autumn. mountains and the idyllic villages that lay at their feet. Hie mountain range in the distance, the Ogi rice V I E W terraces are a must-see when visiting Otsu. 1 Watch the sun rise 2 Kansai's one and only on a kayaking adventure river tubing adventure Paddle out before daybreak into the morning twilight This river sport takes place at the Setagawa River, of Lake Biwa for a kayak excursion. the only river emanating from Lake Biwa. Plunge your Enjoy a mystical experience of oneness with nature body into the river's dynamic currents on a grand set against magical scenes of the rising sun adventure with friends. illuminating the lake's surface. The exciting rapids are guaranteed to thrill any visitor.

3 Fly like a bird at the Biwako 4 Enjoy winter sports Sky Park Paraglider School on the slopes of Biwako Valley Let a boat take you to the skies on a real-life flight or These are the closest slopes to the popular sightseeing start with a gentle slope for a more moderate destinations of Osaka and Kyoto. Enjoy winter challenge. This paragliding adventure will send you activities while taking in stunning scenery with a view soaring like a bird. covering 80% of Lake Biwa. As Kansai's number 1 There is no better way to experience Japan's largest area for snow and winter scenery, you are sure to get 感 lake. your fill of exciting winter sports!

Experience the purifying spirit of nature for an unforgettable moment with those special to you

Blessed with an abundance of nature, Otsu offers an assortment of activities in settings filled with beautiful lakes, mountains, rivers and skies. Become one with the majestic scenery and transform your purifying experience in nature into a once-in-a-lifetime memory with friends, 5 Glide through the skies family and others you love. on the Biwako Valley Zipline for unbeatable thrills

Set on the mountaintop, this popular attraction sends you zipping through the trees at an altitude of 1,100m. Made up of 7 courses, you can enjoy stunning views of Lake Biwa as you glide. The excitement will keep EXPERIENCE you coming back for more! F O O D

Blessed with a rich history and natural landscape, Otsu offers delectable dishes made from local seasonal ingredients

A thriving roadside town from ancient times, Otsu is blessed with natural features and a rich history that has given rise to famous ingredients, renowned restaurants and notable stores. Both locals and travelers alike have been mesmerized by Otsu's flavors. Not only delicious, Otsu's cuisine carries an exciting past that offers visitors a profound cultural experience.

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1 Soba: 2 Omi Beef: 300 years of history, melt-in-your-mouth still loved today deliciousness Soba from the Sakamoto area - a temple town associated Omi beef is one of Japan's three renowned types of with the Enryakuji World Heritage Site on Mt. Hiei - is wagyu. With over a 400-year history as a brand, the said to have been eaten by monks to reacclimate their meat's delicate qualities and slightly-sweet oils give it stomachs after undergoing one of the world's strictest a melt-in-your-mouth softness. fasting practices. Here, you can enjoy a flavor unlike Lauded as a "masterpiece of flavor," savor the taste of any traditional soba. Omi beef right at its birthplace.

3 Saikuzushi: 4 Otsu Omi My Curry: 5 Savor Japan's top unagi and the art of cuisine a collection of perfection Japanese gardens Saikuzushi expresses a variety of subjects such as With its rich water resources, Otsu is one of Japan's Founded in 1872, the renowned unagi shop Kaneyo has flowers, birds and maiko in the form of sushi. This renowned areas for rice. "Otsu Omi My Curry" arose inherited a long history and tradition as one of Japan's cuisine is born from the exquisite skills of sushi masters from the desire to provide the delicious Omi rice top tastes. While here, take a tour around the who have won numerous awards in national competi- cultivated here to as many people as possible and is 2,645-square-meter Japanese garden and enjoy the tions. The beauty and charm of these almost too-per- served at many shops around Otsu city. As each beauty it presents with each changing season. fect-to-eat dishes will mesmerize you. restaurant offers its own flavors and selections, we recommend you taste and compare the differences. 1 The sacred land of Japanese Buddhism found at Enryakuji Temple on Mt. Hiei One of Japan's 3 major temples, Enryakuji on Mt. Hiei is known as the "mother mountain" of Japanese Buddhism, since many of the founders of Japan's existing Buddhist sects originally studied here. Designated as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1994, Enryakuji offers more than 200 years of history and tradition for you to enjoy.

2 Enjoy a moment of healing 3 Dress in kimono at Ogoto Onsen at Omi Jingu Shrine Enjoyed for its beautifying baths, Ogoto is a therapeutic Kimono is Japan's traditional formal wear. While not hot spring town with around 1200 years of history. widely known, Omi Jingu offers an affordable chance The area is home to 9 Japanese inns (ryokan), each to try on these outfits. with a unique atmosphere in which guests are Omi Jingu Shrine is also considered the holy ground for served. the traditional Japanese card game, karuta. Recently, 歴 Rest up after a day of travels in an outdoor bath a karuta-themed best-selling manga and anime-turned- overlooking Lake Biwa. movie were released, and the shrine gained fame as the set for the film.

Using all 5 senses, experience the culture of Otsu that arose from the mother lake, Lake Biwa

The history and lifestyles of the people of Otsu arose in part from the blessings received from Lake Biwa, a site worshipped by many as the "mother lake." The great traditions of the past handed down unbroken until today surely 4 Experience unspoiled sites of 5 Get lost in the moment have many stories to tell. Go on a cultural journey of discovery with all traditional Japan at Satoyama at the Satobo of Sakamoto 5 senses and learn about the people who lived in the lake country of Otsu. The Satoyama Facility operates one of Otsu's famous Satobo are dwellings used as retreats by monks after confectionery shops, Kanou Shoujuan. In addition to finishing their training on Mt. Hiei. A cobblestone old Japanese houses, plum gardens and promenades - town filled with relics over 400 years old, Sakamoto is vestiges of traditional Japan - you can also enjoy still home to many Satobo structures. The Kyu tea ceremonies and confectionery classes held by Chikurinin residence with its 3,300-square-meter master artisans. garden is one of the few Satobo open for public This rich array of experiences includes confectionery viewing today. CULTURE shops and Japanese cuisine as well. ART&CRAFT

A city of art born from Lake Biwa;

Otsu crafts that connect past and present 3 Interweaving tradition and 4 Onigawara tiles imbued with 5 The timeless and charming humor technique in gold lacquer art the spirit of the artisan of Otsu-e folk art Helping bolster the traditional craft trade of Kyoto - Japan's capital of 1000 years - Kenji Omachi, head of the Ken Makie Studio, created With over a 1400-year history, Japan's Onigawara The patterns in Otsu-e art overflow with humor and a new "saikiko" technique, which uses a material "gargoyle" tiles are a roofing material meant to ward witty, dynamic expressions, while each painting offers a Otsu's time-honored craftsmanship remains beautiful and vibrant even today. called Kyoto opal to decorate the lacquerware that is off evil and decorate many of Japan's architectural moral lesson to the viewer. Once a must-have souvenir Breaking free from conventional molds, Otsu's crafts are now being recognized typically seen in traditional Japanese crafts. structures. throughout Japan, the art features demons dressed in Repainting the history of lacquer containers, this The artisanal skills of the Minobe Onigawara Studio, priest's robes and beautiful women carrying wisteria for their artistic value not only within Japan but also overseas. Come and witness traditional craft has found new life in Otsu today. whose works adorn many of Japan's famous temples branches for a style that still captivates many today. the techniques of world-class artisans firsthand. and shrines, are a must see. Otsu-e was also recently introduced into France to much acclaim. Here, you can buy postcards, towels and a variety of other goods. 芸

1 Transforming Kioke containers 2 A one-of-a-kind into innovative furniture Biwako pearl just for you A fixture of Japanese daily life from long ago, Kioke Taking 3 years for the shell to grow and another 3 for containers are now captivating the world. the pearl to form, freshwater pearls offer a true piece At Nakagawa Mokkougei, Kioke techniques have been of Lake Biwa. The pearls' unique beauty is born from used to create a champagne cooler with a delicate and the many years nature has spent nurturing them. graceful form and high aesthetic sense that was The characteristic shapes and forms of non-nucleat- recognized and selected by Dom Perignon for use as ed pearls offer a one-of-a-kind gift of nature that is a its official cooler. Come and experience the elegance feast for the eyes. of ancient Japanese techniques. 1 A thrilling view - Boat Race Biwako Boat races with government-operated gambling were unique to Japan for many years until being introduced to South Korea in 2002. At Boat Race Biwako, you can enjoy the best views in the boat-racing world as well as the chance to place your dreams in a boat flying across the lake's surface.

2 Stay active 3 Enjoy a stylish atmosphere while at Marine Resort staying at a traditional townhouse Carmel Beach Club is a resort facility where you can B&B Inase is a guesthouse made from a renovated enjoy various marine sports such as wakeboarding 150-year-old traditional Japanese townhouse. In and flyboarding, in addition to barbequing. This is the addition to the charming and stylish atmosphere, you birthplace of flyboarding in Japan making it an can also enjoy once-in-a-lifetime encounters in the extremely popular spot among professional riders. living room and other communal spaces. Make sure From beginners to experts, everyone will enjoy the you take a stroll around the neighborhood as well. 魅 ride.

Explore and enjoy the endless indescribable charms of Otsu

Otsu abounds with a charm that cannot be expressed in words. There is no limit to the sights and experiences that can be found here. What will you discover next in this place of boundless wonder and mystery? Your very own Otsu experience awaits you.

4 All-you-can-eat 5 Take a cruise and delicious strawberries witness stunning lake views Snugly nestled between the mountains and the lake, Make sure to head out on a cruise when visiting Otsu. this garden fills with bright red strawberries at the You can enjoy a variety of options from lunch or arrival of spring. Enjoy strawberry picking while dinner on the Michigan - a ship made in the style of savoring the sweet aroma wafting in the wind at this an old-fashioned American paddle steamer - or a beautiful open-air garden. river cruise down the Setagawa River on the Ichiban- maru - a renovated paddle steamer that operated at OTHER S the beginning of the Meiji period.